GOVERNMENT plans to build 386 palaces countrywide, which will be equipped with solar power and water reticulation systems, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Gary Nkombo has said.
Speaking when he officiated at the Nc’wala traditional ceremony fundraising dinner on Saturday, Mr Nkombo said the new dawn government was committed to improving the living standards of traditional leaders.
“Each chiefdom will give institutional land to government where the palaces will be built in 2023 to give our chiefs a decent living” Mr Nkombo said.
The minister urged citizens to support this Government policy, which would be implemented this year.
Mr Nkombo also appealed to traditional leaders to support Government in its efforts to expedite construction of the palaces.
And in a speech read for him by Senior Chief Nzamani, Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni speaking people challenged Zambians to plant trees as a way of curbing the negative effects of climate change.
“For humanity to win the battle against climate change, it is important for everyone to remain united and play a role by planting trees” He added.
Paramount Mpezeni who ascended to the throne in 1982, further said it is cardinal for Zambians to think about the future and to protect the environment.
Meanwhile, Zambezi Seed who are the main sponsors for this year’s ceremony, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting traditional ceremonies as a way of preserving culture.
This year’s Nc’wala traditional ceremony will start on February 23, 2023 and will be used to create awareness about the effects of climate change.
